It’s past midnight. Elmwood Gazette Editor Crystal Cropper — unarmed and undaunted — steps through the back door of her No. 1 informant, an 80-year-old cleaning lady, and calls out into the dark. At once, someone screams, something crashes, and all hell breaks loose. Welcome to Elmwood, Indiana, an idyllic little town, where nothing bad ever happens … well, hardly ever. But lately, a whole pot full of bad has been stewing — shady dealings of an unscrupulous mayor, an international drug ring, a smarmy stranger lurking about ... not to mention murder, cover-up, and an improper burial of a dead body. Or two.

“In the funny and compellingDust Bunnies & Dead Bodies, Janis Thornton has created a wacky world of oddball characters, most of whom seem capable of murder in their own twisted ways. Crystal Cropper is a worthy protagonist who takes on all comers as she fights to uncover the plot behind the cover-up of long-ago events and the dirty laundry of the conspirators. Set in the seemingly-idyllic town of Elmwood, Indiana, the story pinballs from one potential suspect to another as it becomes clear that no one is quite who he or she seems. The story escalates to a thrilling climax that is as surprising as it is exciting. Highly recommended for fans of the cozy mystery.> D.E. Johnson Author of the highly acclaimed 'Detroit Shuffle,' the fourth book in his historic Detroit Mystery series

“This engaging first novel will keep you laughing, wondering, theorizing, guessing and at times seething as Thornton humorously exposes nefarious doings in the grassroots.”> Ray Moscowitz

“I am a fan of cozy mysteries and this lady writes with style and class.”> Mary Marlow

“This was such a fun read with many twists and turns.”>Teri Ehler

“. . . a cozy mystery at its finest!”>Teresa Trent

“Janis Thornton may be a debut author of cozy mystery, but she writes like a seasoned pro.”>Trace Adrighetti